CIFF Opens Submissions for Its 42nd Edition despite Coronavirus

The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is now accepting submissions for its 42nd edition, which is scheduled to be held from 19-28 November 2020.

The festival which is scheduled to run from 19-28 November 2020, sees Mohamed Hefzy continuing as President and Ahmed Shawky appointed as Artistic Director.

The Festival’s management will be guided by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organisation to ensure the necessary safeguards and protections are in place to ensure guests’ and participants’ safety as a result of the pandemic.

The modified 42nd edition comes following a successful 2019 edition, as the Minister of Culture Dr. Enas Abdel Dayem confirmed the renewed presidency of Mohamed Hefzy, and the appointment of film critic Ahmed Shawky as the new artistic director.

Shawky succeeded veteran film critic Youssef Cherif Rizkallah who sadly passed away last year.

CIFF’s president explained: “The coronavirus pandemic has imposed a considerable challenge to the international film industry. Nevertheless, CIFF’s management is committed to holding a successful and safe edition if the situation allows while putting high emphasis on the safety and wellbeing of its staff as well as local and international guests.”

On his part, Shawky said: “The task of maintaining the success of the last two editions will not be easy especially in the unprecedented challenges facing the film industry due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.”

“CIFF’s high advisory committee has been working on laying out several alternative plans to ensure the 42nd edition comes to light, hoping the circumstances will improve before November 2020".

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, CIFF’s management has been consistently following the ongoing developments regarding the health situation and regarding the international film industry whose workers are currently occupied with overcoming the pandemic’s consequences.

Following guidance, working to apply all protective measures, including the use of sanitary equipment, masks, and applying social distancing, ordered by the Egyptian government and the World Health Organisation.

During the anticipated edition, CIFF will apply the Gender Parity Pledge 5050×2020, where the festival will be committed to promoting gender equality and transparency in film-related events, to become the first Arab festival (and second African) to join this commitment launched during Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

In 2019 edition, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) awarded the Festival OSCAR qualifying film festival status.

This year the Best Short Film in the ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’ competition will be eligible to compete in the Animated and Live Action Short Film category of the ACADEMY AWARDS.

Submissions will be open from June 2nd until August 31st, 2020, accepting applications from participants all over the world, through the CIFF’s official website here.